Page 53 of Waiting for Love

Chesterfield snorted. “Yes, well, it would. But not the Earl of Dunleavey. This is a different Boring.”

“Related in some way, no doubt,” Hazard said. “He is a gentleman. But you’d have to trace back several generations to find a title in his line.”

Which explained why the man needed to support himself in such a fashion.

“And why is he the first choice?” Benjamin asked.

“He is very smart,” Chesterfield said. “Knows everyone.”

“He is currently clerking in his uncle’s firm,” Hazard said. “Inheritance law or some such. But he finds it stultifying.”

“He thinks social secretary would be less so?”

“I believe he would. He’s a young man. About your age, I gather. But more…more inclined to put himself forward. I understand he wants to stand for the Commons.”

Chesterfield sniffed again. “His politics are sound. And as I said, he is a smart fellow. But he hasn’t paid his dues, as one might say. Too young, yet, and he hasn’t the funds or the clout for a successful campaign. Working for Iversley would be beneficial to them both.”

Jasper’s politics were none of Benjamin’s concerns, but apparently, they interested Hazard. He wanted to convert Jasper. But Benjamin was certain he would not try to advance his agenda at the expense of Vanessa’s entrance to Society and Olivia’s coming-out.

The butler arrived with a tray. He gave Benjamin a steaming cup of coffee, refilled the cups of the two lords, set down the pot, and retreated to the door.

“Will there be anything else, my lord?”

“No, James. I will ring when we are finished.”

James left the room.

“Good fellow,” Hazard said in a low voice. “Has only been with me for three weeks. My butler took ill. I’ll have to find a way to keep him when Harrison comes back.”

They sipped their coffee. Hazard and Chesterfield discussed the problem of servants. Chesterfield had the typical complaints of his class: servants were not what they used to be. Hazard disagreed. When treated well, they served well. They argued in polite tones, without the quips and laughter Benjamin was used to hearing when Hazard and Jasper traded barbs. Yet they each conceded points to one another with smiles that Benjamin could only interpret as fond.

Then Hazard said, “Good Lord. We are putting poor Mr. Carroll to sleep. Tell me, how are you finding things at Iversley’s? I’ll wager the servants have not all deserted their posts with the family gone?”

“Not at all,” Benjamin said. Of course, the bulk of the high servants had made the journey to Chaumbers with the Taverstons. Half-staffed, the London home had been “closed.” Most of the furniture was now draped in heavy white linen. Fires were kept only in the kitchen and servants’ quarters—and now in Benjamin’s apartments and the morning room where Benjamin, Hannah, and Miss Jamison took their meals. “They have been very attentive and very welcoming.”

“See?” Hazard said, with a smirk. He changed the subject. “Has there been any word from Crispin? Is he in France with Wellington?”

“No word. None of which I am aware.”

Hazard sighed. “This war needs to end.”

Hazard and Chesterfield exchanged thoughts on Wellington and Bonaparte that were in far better accord than their thoughts on servants. Benjamin drained his cup. He was likely wearing out his welcome.

“My lords, thank you. I should be taking leave and returning to work.”

“Let me give you Mr. Boring’s direction,” Chesterfield said, standing. He reached into his waistcoat as he came toward Benjamin. He didn’t watch where he stepped and tripped over Hazard’s outstretched feet.

“Sorry, Rupe,” he said, giving a sidestep as he caught himself. “Mashed you, did I?”

Hazard blushed. Noticeably. “My fault. My fault.” He tucked his feet under his chair as if suddenly realizing he was shoeless. Or maybe it was the name. Rupe. Rupert? Benjamin had never heard him called anything but Hazard.

Chesterfield handed Benjamin a card. “That is the uncle. The address of the firm. You can find young Boring there.”

Benjamin stood as he took the card. “Thank you. This is very helpful.”

“Ring for James, would you, Chester?” Hazard asked.

Chesterfield went to the wall and pulled the bell cord. A footman appeared. Not James.